Trip to Tokyo Disney March 26 - April 6th

[TDR_Fan]

Yeah I hear raging spirits is not that great but the themeing is where the ride shines. I guess looking at it rather than riding can be just as entertaining.

It's a shame that OLC chose this ride instead of going for something new, it's basically same as the Disneyland Paris version which opened in 93 but not much themeing. But saying that, I have been told its one of the most popular rides in the park before TOT opened.

Raging Spirits is beautiful and definitely entertaining to look at. I guess the reason they chose to built Raging Spirits was because there wasn't that much space besides Indiana Jones. Plus, it has proven to be a success and is one of the most popular attractions at the park.

[Peterwhite171]

Yeah I figured it was down to the space really. I look forward to seeing the great theme elements.

Pete

[Parisi]

I got lucky with RS. When I went to the park I was still a little overweight, so I went to get on line for the ride, and the guy gave me the big X symbol meaning I couldnt get online... so he pointed to the picture of the guy with the weight problem, and then he said in broken english he was calling over an english speaking cm. So when that cm got there, he personally escorted me to the front of the ride (I skipped a 60min line) and made me get on, and test the shoulder restraints, and I fit with no problem. So then he just said have fun, and I got to stay on the ride. When I got back, he was still there waiting to ask me how the ride was. I thought that was very nice that he waited, and I lied and told him it was a great ride.

The truth is that the themeing is GORGEOUS and the ride layout looks cool, but its just so bumpy that u cant come off that ride without having a headache or neckache.

At night that ride really looks nice especially with the flames...

[TDR_Fan]

I think Raging Spirits has much more theming than the Indiana Jones coaster at Disneyland Paris. It looks much more prettier, especially the waterfall flowing down the stairs with flames burning on the surface of the water. It's so beautiful and compliments the Indiana Jones Adventure structure next door very well.

[JoeInJpn]

I do have a question about food. I see that Chop sticks are used allot in Japan when eating, does anyone know if there are forks aswell. I do plan on learning to use chop sticks before I go but would like to know so Im not forced to make a fool of myself if there are no forks lol!

Hi Peterwhite, you should be able to get forks at any restaurant in the Parks. They'll either be given to you when served or you'll find them in the condiments table depending on the restaurant. If you cannot spot them anywhere, just ask a CM and they'll help you out. Now worries. Have fun!

JoeInJpn
http://www.jtcent.com

[Parisi]

I do have a question about food. I see that Chop sticks are used allot in Japan when eating, does anyone know if there are forks aswell. I do plan on learning to use chop sticks before I go but would like to know so Im not forced to make a fool of myself if there are no forks lol!

I remember seeing forks by the condiments table.. however, it cant hurt to learn how to ask for a fork in Japanese...

But yeah, u have a couple of months to learn how to use chopsticks... so get cracking... or just order food at the parks that is finger food... French Fries, burgers, nachos... ect...

[Peterwhite171]

Yeah the DisneySea version does indeed feature better themeing. Sorry if my earlier message implied the Paris version was superior. I heard that the themeing actually cost more than the actual ride at DisneySea, not sure if that is true. OLC seems to really go for the full experience by going all out on themeing, if only the other parks followed suit. But after seeing Everest last year, which totally blew me away, maybe Disney is improving.

Good news about the forks but I am going to learn to use Chop Sticks before I go. I dont think the language barrier will be an issue and I have already gotten a few phrases learnt too.

Oooh so close now! Cant' wait!

[TDR_Fan]

Yeah the DisneySea version does indeed feature better themeing. Sorry if my earlier message implied the Paris version was superior. I heard that the themeing actually cost more than the actual ride at DisneySea, not sure if that is true. OLC seems to really go for the full experience by going all out on themeing, if only the other parks followed suit. But after seeing Everest last year, which totally blew me away, maybe Disney is improving.

I think it was stated somewhere that the Indiana Jones coaster at Disneyland Paris cost about $30 million to build (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Raging Spirits is a near-identical design but cost about $80 million to build. Seeing as the coaster portion cost less than $10 million (based on existing coaster models), this means that more than $70 million was spent on theming. The difference between the two budgets is pretty evident when you look at Raging Spirits!

[Peterwhite171]

Ok here is a question for all who have been to Japan. Did you take Travelers cheques, cash or just your card. Or a bit of all?

[TDR_Fan]

We used credit cards when we dined at restaurants, as well as for buying expensive products. I used the same credit card to pay for the hotel room, so they just added everything I bought onto my hotel bill. I used cash for small souvenirs and snacks.

[TDLFAN]

I would not advise the use of travelers cheques in Japan, simply because they are not of yen currency and may be difficult to cash, except in banks. TOO MUCH hassle. Make your life easy and bring a credit card that can also work as a debit card, and some cash. I personally find it more convenient to get yen from the ATM machines and then having some cash for incidental expenses... such as train fares, fast foods and such.

[Peterwhite171]

I read that ATM machines are few and far between in Japan. I take it there are some in the Disney Resort and do they have an english option!

[TDLFAN]

I read that ATM machines are few and far between in Japan. I take it there are some in the Disney Resort and do they have an english option!

Actually, ATM machines are everywhere in Japan, but most do NOT accept American cards or debit cards. The ones that do are concidered "international" ATMs. On those both japanese and american issued cards may be used. At TDR... there are only three of those that I am awared off.. One is located at the AP processing office to the left of the main ticket windows at TDL. The other two are located in the Miracosta and Ambassador lobbies. However, please note.. these ATM do NOT operate 24 hrs. The TDR ones are usually operational from 9am till about 8pm or so.. and you have to withdraw in digits of 10,000 yen. There are other ATMs out there at the airports and in postal office buildings and some shopping malls that will allow you to withdraw with similar operating hrs and money quantities. When in Japan, and especially just outside customs at most japanese airports, you will find the Citibank machines where you can withdraw in digits of 1,000 yen and seem to be opened pretty much all of the time. There are several Citibank machines as well in downtown Tokyo, such as the one in Gynza, nearby the Matsuzakaya Dept Store. In all of the ATMs I have mentioned before, look for the Plus sign on the machine itself, and be careful before you press any button so you can avoid making mistakes and do not over-withdraw. Also all of these machines will give you the option to see the instructions in english on the screen as well.

[luvtdl]

I would not advise the use of travelers cheques in Japan, simply because they are not of yen currency and may be difficult to cash, except in banks. TOO MUCH hassle. Make your life easy and bring a credit card that can also work as a debit card, and some cash. I personally find it more convenient to get yen from the ATM machines and then having some cash for incidental expenses... such as train fares, fast foods and such.

TDL FAN is right.. travelrs cheques can be quite the hassle.. especially around Tokyo - a lot of smaller restaurants and shops only take cash as well which adds to the difficulty.
Disneyland also has currency exchange places inside the park - I can`t remember off the top of my head where the one in TDL is.. but I do remember there is one right underneath the TDS train station - i think at the info booth - but I also can`t remember if they exchanged TCs for yen.. hmm..
ALSO... there are some Thomas Cook currency exchange places around the city where you can exchange your travelers cheques - its kind of a hassle though I guess..

Other than that.. lets see. I LOVE the Okura - I stay there when I can. It may not be a big deal to you but their bathtubs are the BEST! The water fills into their huge tub in like two minutes! Its so nice to be able to take a bath after a long day of walking around the park! =)
The Okura is also like a minute walk from the Tokyo Bay monorail station - its a pain sometimes because you can`t go directly to the park, you have to walk to the the monorail station and then go all the way around if you want to go to TDL and one station if you want to go to TDS. So if you`re there multiple days and the monorail pass isn`t included in your package, make sure you buy a multi-day monorail pass!

THey also have a shuttle running from the monorail station to the hotel - which is cute (listen for Mickey announcing that you`ve arrived!) but also a little bit pointless unless you`re SUPER tired =)

I also love the Okura`s breakfast - I`m not sure if you have a hotel package that includes breakfast but its quite good =)

Other than that.. ENJOY!!!! I`m not sure if expecting TOO much will make the park seem less amazing than if you didn`t expect much..but it really is a great park and I love it. The cast members are all very nice and willing to help, if you have any questions =)

[Peterwhite171]

Cash and cards it is then!

Thanks for the rerport about Okura where I am staying. Sounds great! Will be getting lots and lots pictures that I will of course post.